Dear Gabby Douglas,
My daughter would love to write to you herself, but at just 5 years old, she’s still mastering her letters. You are undoubtedly starting to understand what it means to be one of the most recognized figures in the world. I want to take a moment to express what you represent to one special little girl.
Ella was born at just 23 weeks, barely halfway through pregnancy. Weighing a little over a pound, she spent an astonishing 196 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. The doctors had little hope for her survival or ability to walk. Though she was the smallest person I’ve ever known, she possessed an incredible strength. Despite her eyes being fused shut, she fought fiercely for a life she couldn’t yet imagine.
Ella taught me many things, but her resilience was the first lesson.
She discovered gymnastics at the age of 2, driven by an energy similar to yours—she simply couldn’t stay still. With her remarkable preemie upper body strength and the clumsiness that comes with being a preschooler, she walks on her hands and leaps from any surface within reach. “Watch,” she says, “You might be surprised, but this could be amazing.”
Ella, like many kids her age, grapples with the idea of size. “When will I be big?” she often asks. Unfortunately, the doctors say she may never reach 5 feet tall.
I’ve witnessed other children at school call her a baby and tell her she’s too small to join in. She tries to rise above it. Once, she managed to climb to the top of a tree at the playground, looking down at the taller kids, and boldly declared, “You can climb like this when you’re big like me.” That day, I was so proud, but there are nights she cries, longing for the day she’ll grow taller.
Discovering your videos on YouTube changed everything. Ella began to see herself in a whole new light. “Is Gabby Douglas little like me?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied, “She’s just like you.” Ella reflected, “She’s better than me at gymnastics,” and after a moment added, “That’s okay.”
Now, we watch clips of “The Best Athlete in The World” each night. We discuss hard work, practice, confidence, and strength. I even let her stay up late to cheer you on during the Olympics. When you perfected your floor routine and secured the gold medal, she jumped off the couch, overjoyed.
You’ve empowered her to challenge one of the greatest forces girls face: the judgment of their peers. You’ve shown her what’s possible and reminded her of her inner strength.
As your smile lit up the screen, Ella exclaimed, “She is looking at me! Does she see me?” I couldn’t bear to tell her it was just a screen.
She even drew a picture of you, believing I could somehow pass it to you through the television. Here it is, filled with our love and gratitude.
With warm regards,
Lila Thompson, Proud Mom